Friday, August 31, 2012

Be Still My Soul

Night’s chill tickled her skin. Lonnie pressed her hands together and glanced up. He was even more handsome up close. Having grown up the shy, awkward daughter of Joel Sawyer, she’d hardly spoken to any boy, let alone the one who had mothers whispering warnings in their daughter’s ears and fathers loading shotguns.

Pretty Lonnie Sawyer is shy and innocent, used to fading into the background within her family, and among the creeks and hollows of the Appalachian hills. Though her family is poor and her father abusive, she clings to a quiet faith. But when handsome ladies’ man and bluegrass musician Gideon O’Riley steals a kiss, that one action seals her fate.

Her father forces her into a hasty marriage with Gideon—a man she barely knows and does not love. Equally frustrated and confused by his new responsibilities, Gideon yearns for a fresh start, forcing Lonnie on an arduous journey away from her home in Rocky Knob.

Her distant groom can’t seem to surrender his rage at the injustice of the forced matrimony or give Lonnie any claim in his life. What will it take for Gideon to give up his past, embrace Lonnie’s God, and discover a hope that can heal their two fractured hearts?

Gideon only ever cared about himself. Now that Lonnie is his wife, will he ever be worthy of her heart?

My thoughts...

Set in the Appalachian mountains with likeable characters who have real life problems. A story filled with faith and forgiveness. Shy Lonnie is attracted to Gideon who is the type guy your mother warns you about. He steals a kiss from Lonnie and her abusive father forces them into marriage. Interesting seeing how this all works out.

Though it is a bit predictable I still enjoyed it and wanted to keep reading till it was finished. 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.